Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kiel, WI (2024 Update)
- Kiel Solar Installation Cost: $19,134
- 25-Year Savings: $23,770
- Payback Period: 13.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kiel
Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Kiel.
In Kiel, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Because a 7.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Kiel, the average price of going solar will be about $19,134 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The exact cost of going solar can vary depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average Kiel homeowners see about $20,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Kiel
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,839 |
| 3 years | $-15,248 |
| 5 years | $-12,657 |
| 7 years | $-10,066 |
| 9 years | $-7,475 |
| 11 years | $-4,884 |
| 13 years | $-2,293 |
| 15 years | $298 |
| 17 years | $2,889 |
| 19 years | $5,480 |
| 21 years | $8,071 |
| 23 years | $10,662 |
| 25 years | $13,253 |
Top Solar Installers in Kiel
Putting up solar panels yourself can be a stressful undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Because solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Kiel
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kiel
For many Kiel homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Kiel, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,880. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Kiel average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Kiel, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Kiel homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar system can affect the cost. Kiel’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $4.04 | $16,948 | $14,216 | 13.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $19,389 | 13.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $24,780 | 13.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $30,387 | 12.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $36,212 | 12.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $42,255 | 12.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $48,514 | 12.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $54,991 | 11.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Kiel, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Kiel?
The average cost of solar panels in Kiel is about $19,400 for a 5-kW system and $38,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Kiel?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Kiel, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Kiel?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
How long do solar panels last in Kiel?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.